Preparing Myself

Tomorrow, I have a job interview.  Today, I am preparing myself.  I am studying the Common Core State Standards, which is the coming thing in the world of education.  This may sound boring, but since I turned my life toward education, I've come to appreciate the effort put into this document, this set of standards.  There are many, many good things here.

I wish I had gotten a haircut last Saturday.

Of course, in my studying, I am distracted by thoughts on other topics.  I consider how I will say things, how I will refer to concepts and philosophies with which I agree.  I found myself brushing up on Kohlberg's stages of moral development, which in turn lead me to think about self-actualization, which brought me to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which prompted me to consider how to assist students in progressing toward self-actualization through my actions in the classroom, which lead me to re-read some articles on motivation, and I hope a good portion of this sticks with me in a way I can call to mind when I'm sitting in the hot-seat tomorrow.

I should have bought a new pair of black slacks.

I think about ways to express my strong feelings about education.  I don't want to come across as arrogant (something that DOES happen to me), but I don't want to appear reticent, either.  I think I am a very good person for the job.  I want them to believe I am the best person for the job.  I want them to know that given the chance, five years from now they will be very happy they hired me. 

My shoes are scuffed.

I will be myself.  But I want to make sure I am the best self I am capable of being tomorrow morning.  So shouldn't I be studying and preparing more instead of blogging?  No, I think blogging is exactly what I need to be doing.  I am putting my plans and ideas down in writing.  This will help me remember my strategy, and make ME realize that despite my hair not being perfect, and my slacks a bit worn, and my shoes four years old, I am a good candidate.  Without knowing the competition, I could even come to believe I may be the best candidate.  And if I believe that, maybe they will, too.